COLONEL JASON T. KIRBY

Colonel Kirby is the Commander, 353d Special Operations Group, Kadena Air Base, Japan. Most recently, he was the National Defense Fellow to the Atlantic Council, Washington D.C. He previously commanded the 524th Special Operations Squadron, Cannon AFB, NM. Colonel Kirby is a command pilot with over 3,100 flying hours in the C-146A, Do-328, MC-130P and C-130E. He has led 225 U.S. personnel supporting coalition counter-terrorism operations as the Commander, Joint Special Operations Air Component (JSOAC-Africa). Previously, he served on the Joint Staff J-3, Deputy Directorate for Special Operations and Counterterrorism (DDSO) as a Joint Service Officer and Executive Assistant. He has served as weapons officer, evaluator pilot, and on the JSOAC-Iraq staff. Colonel Kirby participated in Operation Irawi Freedom as acting squadron commander, 67 SOS. He has participated in Operation Enduring Freedom-Trans Sahara, Observant Compass, Southern Watch, and Joint Forge.

Colonel Kirby is married to the former Melissa Rioux of South Portland, ME. They have three daughters, Megan, Emma, and Erin.

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
27th Special Operations Wing Squadron of the Year, 2013
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Medal
Aerial Achievement Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal
352nd SOG Company Grade Officer of the Year, 2004

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant May 1996
First Lieutenant June 1998
Captain June 2000
Major July 2006
Lieutenant Colonel October 2011
Colonel May 2017